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Want to travel from Ghent to Leuven by train? Start your journey with us.
The train from Ghent to Leuven usually takes 1 hour 4 minutes on average to travel 71 km, although the quickest services can take as little as 58 minutes. You can expect to find 89 trains per day running on this popular route. Good news! There are direct trains available to Leuven, so you can just make yourself comfortable as soon as you board the train and just enjoy the journey. You'll be hopping on an SNCB train – the national rail operator in Belgium – to get to Leuven, on board one of their Intercity or local trains.
To help you get the best train deals, we'll highlight the cheapest train ticket prices from Ghent to Leuven in our Journey Planner. Just remember, the sooner you book your tickets, the more you'll save, as advance tickets start from $19.79.
Keep reading for more information about the train journey to Leuven, including FAQs, timetables with first and last train times and tips on booking cheap train tickets. If you're ready to book, just start a search for tickets with us today.
SNCB is the national railway company of Belgium, with services that include national (Intercity) and regional (Local) express trains. All SNCB trains come with both First Class and Second Class carriages. Belgium has one of the densest rail networks in the world. Seat reservations aren’t possible for any of the company's trains.
If you're traveling in Second Class, you'll find plenty of baggage storage and power outlets as standard. You can reserve your seat only if you buy a group ticket.
Upgrade to First Class and enjoy more legroom and comfortable seats. You can reserve your seat only if you buy a group ticket.
When traveling with SNCB, each passenger can take 3 items of baggage on board, as long as the total weight does not exceed 30kg (66.1 pounds). Once you’ve found your seat, you can stow your baggage in the space provided above and below your seat. You can take the following baggage on board for free:
Currently, SNCB does not offer a food and drink service. Although, you may bring food and drink with you to enjoy on the train.
SNCB offer free WiFi in their main stations, including Brussels Central, Bruges, Antwerp Central and more. Currently, SNCB do not offer WiFi onboard their trains.
As long as they are traveling with a person aged 12 or above with a valid ticket, children under 12 can travel for free without a ticket. However, please note that this only applies to a maximum of 4 children per passenger with a valid ticket. If you have any additional children traveling with you, they will need a half-price Kids Ticket.
Hoping to travel with your bike? You’ll need to add a Bike Supplement to your ticket. However, if you’re traveling with a folding bike, you don’t need to worry about paying. Bike Supplements are paid on top of your rail fare and cost €4 for a single journey.
When boarding, speak to the train conductor and they will tell you if there are spaces available and where you can put your bicycle. SNCB advise you not to travel with a bike at Peak times, because bicycle spaces may not be available.
Guide and assistance dogs
Travel is free for guide and assistance dogs. You won’t need to add a Pet Supplement to your ticket.
Pets
Pets are welcome to travel on SNCB trains if they are on a lead or in a small basket, cage or box. For animals on a lead, a Pet Supplement costs €3 for a single trip. If your pet is in a small basket, cage or box that is smaller than 30 x 55 x 30 cm (11.8 x 21.6 x 11.8 inches), you do not need to pay for a Pet Supplement. Finally, your pet is not allowed to sit on the seats or tables.
Passengers with reduced mobility should directly contact SNCB to make use of their free assistance service. You can take your wheelchair on board the train for free, regardless of whether or not you use the SNCB's free assistance service. If you are blind or partially sighted, you can take the train for free in 2nd class.
Most of the train companies across Europe release their tickets around three to six months in advance, many of which can be cheaper the earlier you book. If you know the dates you want to travel, you may be able to find some cheaper train tickets from Ghent to Leuven by booking early.§
Many of the train services in Europe are also popular commuter services, lots of train companies increase ticket prices during “peak hours” (generally between 06:00 – 10:00 and 15:00 – 19:00 on weekdays). If you can, consider travelling outside of peak hours to find lower priced tickets.
On some of the busier routes, you might also have the option to take a slower or connecting train. It may take a little longer than some high-speed or direct services, but if you have a little extra time on your hands, you might find a cheaper fare. Plus, you'll have more time to enjoy the view of the countryside!
Take a look at our handy guides to find out when train operators release their special deals and offers to see if you can find cheap European train tickets for your journey.
For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.
The average journey time by train between Ghent and Leuven is 1 hour and 4 minutes, with around 89 trains per day. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.
The fastest journey time by train from Ghent to Leuven is 58 minutes.
Train tickets from Ghent to Leuven can start from as little as $19.79 when you book in advance and are usually more expensive when purchased on the day. Prices can also vary depending the time of day, route and class you book.
Yes, it is possible to travel from Ghent to Leuven without having to change trains. There are 71 direct trains from Ghent to Leuven each day. Though there may be fewer direct services available depending on your exact departure date.
The first train from Ghent to Leuven leaves at 04:39. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
The last train from Ghent to Leuven leaves at 23:48. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services, time and services may also vary during weekends and holidays.
Trains travelling from Ghent to Leuven cover a distance of around 44 miles (71 km) during the journey.
If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Leuven to Ghent.